Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT – Get Free Report)‘s stock had its “overweight” rating reissued by equities research analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a $575.00 target price on the manufacturing equipment provider’s stock. Cantor Fitzgerald’s target price indicates a potential upside of 27.76% from the stock’s previous close.
A number of other research firms have also recently issued reports on AMAT. TD Cowen lifted their price target on shares of Applied Materials from $450.00 to $525.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, May 15th. Erste Group Bank raised shares of Applied Materials from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, April 27th. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Applied Materials from $465.00 to $540.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, May 15th. Susquehanna upped their price target on shares of Applied Materials from $435.00 to $500.00 and gave the stock a “positive” rating in a research report on Thursday, April 9th. Finally, Argus raised their price target on shares of Applied Materials from $420.00 to $500.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 19th. Twenty-seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $466.52.
Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on AMAT
Applied Materials Stock Performance
Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT – Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, May 14th. The manufacturing equipment provider reported $2.86 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.68 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $7.91 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.68 billion. Applied Materials had a return on equity of 36.97% and a net margin of 29.31%.Applied Materials’s revenue for the quarter was up 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.39 earnings per share. Applied Materials has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 3.160-3.560 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Applied Materials will post 12.02 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
Insider Activity
In related news, CAO Adam Sanders sold 268 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $434.22, for a total transaction of $116,370.96. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 4,280 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,858,461.60. This represents a 5.89% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.30% of the company’s stock.
Institutional Investors Weigh In On Applied Materials
A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Financial Freedom LLC acquired a new stake in Applied Materials in the first quarter valued at $28,000. Cornerstone Financial Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Applied Materials in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Whipplewood Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Applied Materials by 218.8% in the 1st quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 102 shares of the manufacturing equipment provider’s stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares during the last quarter. Wilkerson Advisory Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Applied Materials during the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Finally, MBM Wealth Consultants LLC purchased a new stake in Applied Materials during the first quarter worth approximately $38,000. 80.56% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Key Applied Materials News
Here are the key news stories impacting Applied Materials this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Applied Materials reported better-than-expected fiscal Q2 results, with revenue and EPS both topping forecasts, reinforcing confidence in demand for its chip equipment. Applied Materials (AMAT) Is Up 11.8% After Raising Q3 Outlook And Expanding AI Packaging Alliance
- Positive Sentiment: The company raised its Q3 revenue outlook, signaling management sees continued strength in semiconductor capital spending and AI-related demand. Applied Materials (AMAT) Is Up 11.8% After Raising Q3 Outlook And Expanding AI Packaging Alliance
- Positive Sentiment: Applied Materials expanded its AI packaging innovation efforts by teaming with Broadcom and SCREEN Semiconductor Solutions, which could strengthen its position in advanced chip manufacturing for AI systems. Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) Partners with Broadcom on Advanced Chip Packaging Technologies for AI Systems
- Positive Sentiment: The new SCREEN partnership at the EPIC Center adds another collaboration focused on advanced wafer cleaning, a development that could improve yields and accelerate next-generation chip production. Applied Materials Partners with SCREEN To Bring Advanced Wafer Cleaning Technologies to EPIC Center
- Neutral Sentiment: A small insider sale by CAO Adam Sanders was disclosed, but the transaction was limited in size and does not appear material to the stock’s outlook. Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) CAO Sells $116,370.96 in Stock
- Neutral Sentiment: A short-interest update showed no meaningful change in reported short positioning, so it is unlikely to be a major driver for AMAT today. Applied Materials stock and company data
- Negative Sentiment: A market commentary piece warned that strongly trending momentum stocks can reverse, which may temper sentiment after AMAT’s recent run-up. Intel, AMD, and Other Momentum Stocks Look Unstoppable. Look Again.
Applied Materials Company Profile
Applied Materials, Inc is a U.S.-based supplier of equipment, services and software used to manufacture semiconductor chips, flat panel displays and other advanced materials. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company designs and sells capital equipment and related technologies that enable production of integrated circuits, display panels and materials used across the electronics supply chain.
Applied Materials’ offerings include process equipment and factory software that support critical steps in device fabrication, such as deposition, etch, implantation, inspection and metrology, as well as systems for packaging and advanced heterogeneous integration.
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